Thyme-based phytopreparations in the treatment of cough: mechanisms of action and clinical efficacy

Cough is one of the frequent symptoms of acute and chronic diseases of the respiratory tract. Inflammatory process against the background of acute respiratory infections is accompanied by impaired mucociliary clearance due to mucosal edema and an increase in the number of bocaloid cells and compensatory increase in bronchial secretion. Disruption of the drainage function of the bronchial tree can lead not only to ventilation disorders, oxidative stress, but also to a decrease in local immunological protection of the respiratory tract, the development of a prolonged course of the inflammatory process and even contribute to its chronicization. With the help of phytopreparations can change the viscosity, elasticity and adhesiveness of bronchial mucus, which will help to facilitate its expectoration. In addition to expectorant action phytopreparations have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, enveloping, emollient and bronchospasmolytic effects. Currently, preference is given to combined phytopreparations (thyme + ivy and thyme + primrose), produced with the use of scientific research and innovative technologies that allow to reveal the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants and preserve all their beneficial properties in the finished drug, which will be on sale in the pharmacy. The article discusses the main mechanisms of action and clinical efficacy of thyme-based phytopreparations for cough. Key words: cough, acute respiratory infections, phytotherapy, thyme, ivy, primrose, children